Languages

Germany should keep faith in old guard - Bierhoff

Oliver Bierhoff believes a blend of youth and experience is key to turning around Germany after a disastrous 2018.

Published

17 November 2018

Germany should not discard their under-performing senior players just yet, according to sporting director Oliver Bierhoff.

Die Mannschaft have endured a tumultuous 2018, failing to make it out of their group at the World Cup in Russia and suffering relegation from their Nations League group on Friday following Netherlands' 2-0 win over France.

Joachim Low fielded a youthful side in Thursday's comfortable 3-0 friendly win over Russia, leading some to suggest that Germany's more established players, such as Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels, should step aside.

Bierhoff has rejected those calls, however, insisting Germany can turn their fortunes around with a blend of youth and experience.

"I think that [the game against] Russia was trend-setting," he told reporters.

"Of course, you always try to use the players in the best form and the young players have shown in recent games that you can bet on them.